Watch CBS News

Good Questions: State Fair Edition

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- As many as 400 cows are milked daily at the Minnesota State Fair, so Gladys from St. Cloud wants to know: Where does that milk go?

According to the Minnesota State Fair, the milk is turned into cheese. It is sold to Associated Milk Producers Inc., a Midwest dairy cooperative. Then, First District Association, a dairy cooperative in Litchfield, turns it into cheese.

The fair's official mascot, Fairchild, turns 50 this year. So, we thought we would answer a question from Ardis in Brooklyn Center: How did Fairchild get his name?

MN State Fair Mascot DL
(credit: Minnesota State Fair)

It is an obvious play on words that won after a statewide naming contest. The name is also a tribute to Henry S. Fairchild, the man who suggested the Ramsey County Poor Farm be the permanent site of the fair.

Theresa from Minneapolis asks: What happens to all of the award-winning baked goods after the fair?

The baked goods are judged before the fair begins, so they end up being on display for two weeks. Food scientists decided several years ago that the food was not safe for people to eat. Much of it is composted and given to feed the hogs at hog farms.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.